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If you like jamming on a road trip, you’ll probably love the next update to Android Auto – with the promised redesign seemingly ready to launch based on a new leak.
Google has been teasing its next big upgrade to Android Auto for a while, already revealing that the focus is on creating a reactive setup that allows you to see multiple apps on the screen at once – even on a smaller monitor.
Currently only cars with ultra-wide monitors can take advantage of Android Auto’s split screen (which simultaneously shows your map, media controls and message notifications), but the ‘Coolwalk’ update is bringing the feature to compatible car displays of all sizes.
However, despite being teased for the June, July or August update, it has yet to be realized. To make matters worse, Google hasn’t provided an updated release window, leaving us in the dark about when the update is coming.
It’s hopefully not far off (and you can even use it today) according to new evidence posted on Reddit by u/mynamesjeffffffs. On the r/AndroidAuto subreddit (opens in new tab), they let the new Android Auto update work on their car’s 7-inch monitor. Mynamesjeffffffs was able to access the update by rooting their Android smartphone – a process that gives the user administrative privileges and access to otherwise locked features.
In the images shared on Reddit, we can see the car’s map proudly next to the music controls, allowing Bruno Mars’ Mynamesjeffffffs It Will Rain to play, pause, or skip without having to hide their directions.
Since this isn’t an officially released version of Android Auto, there’s a chance we might see some changes, but what Mynamesjeffffs shows is pretty close to what Google promised.
The root of the problem
Before rooting your device to access the new Android Auto features yourself, we recommend that you exercise caution.
While rooting your device gives you full control over your Android phone, it also gives you the power to ruin everything. Modifying the wrong file or accidentally installing something you shouldn’t (like a piece of malware) can make your phone useless.
Beyond that, you might find that several apps just don’t work on rooted devices. In particular, Google Pay and most banking apps can’t be opened on rooted devices due to malware issues, and you may encounter similar limitations with other apps you rely on.
Fortunately, Mynamesjeffffffs post shows that the Android Auto redesign is already working very well, so we expect it won’t be long before we get a chance to try it out without risking damaging our smartphones.
While we wait for the update, we recommend checking out some of the best Android apps you can download in 2022 to get more out of your phone without rooting it.